Dating Daniel (Cloverleaf #4) (15 page)

Rachel managed to focus on her food as she danced around several pregnancy questions. She took this time to really evaluate the O’Brien family. They all had become so dear and special to her. Michael made Melanie giggle quite a bit. He was such an amazing father to that precious little girl. Maggie looked uncomfortable and just ready to be done with her pregnancy. Daniel and Hannah seemed lost in their own little world. Patrick and Amber weren’t much different, except how motherly Amber acted toward the twins, and her own teenage boy seem to fit right in. Everyone always seem to fit right in with the O’Brien family. They had accepted her and made her one of them long before she accepted the fact she was terribly head over heels in love with Liam. Mary was quick to clear the table, as their plates weren’t fully emptied, which resulted in a chorus of complaints. Rachel was a little a confused by her anxiousness.

Mary returned to the table with the tray of cupcakes, wasting no time passing them out. Hannah glanced over at Rachel but acted completely casual. She eagerly accepted a cupcake when Mary handed her one.

“Well, my son just told me how important these cupcakes were,” Mary began to explain. Everyone started to examine their cupcake carefully, inspecting it with a seriousness Rachel didn’t quite expect. She looked over at Liam. He blushed. Here he was, so worried she was going to spill the beans.

Liam stood up, gently holding a cupcake in his hand. “Everyone, inside this cupcake is something special. We went to our ultrasound appointment the other day, and we now know what Rachel and I are having. Please bite into your cupcake now,” Liam instructed the family. Everyone’s shocked faces were suddenly full of cupcake as they dove into the pastries. The sounds of delight, squeals of happiness and congratulations, caused tears to flow from Rachel. To see how joyful everyone was, to feel that amount of love, was overpowering and incredible.

Mary went to Rachel, taking her into her plump arms. “I’m so happy for you both. See, Rachel, I told you that you were a blessing to this family.” She squeezed her again.

“Better get to buying everything in pink,” Maggie called to Rachel from across the table.

After the dust settled from the news the men all departed, leaving the women alone.

“Have you guys thought of names?” Maggie inquired, leaning back in her chair, rubbing her large belly.

“It’s not so easy,” Rachel answered and subconsciously found herself rubbing her own belly.

“Told you. Everyone thinks it is, but there is so much to consider, right?”

“Absolutely. Liam has some ideas, but I want some that are cute and classic.” Rachel had been considering so many names since the ultrasound. She turned her attention to Hannah, who sat quietly among the ladies. “Hannah, thanks again for helping me out. The cupcakes were amazing, by the way. You and Mary really need to open a bakery.”

“Wait, you knew?” Maggie tossed a look at Hannah then back at Rachel.

They both nodded, and Rachel answered, “You didn’t think I could bake something that good, did you?”

“I suppose you’re right. They were really good.” Maggie laughed.

“I’m just so happy. I will be having a grandson next week, and then two granddaughters in a little over a month.” Mary’s eyes shone with joy, tears peeking out from them. “We need to plan that shower soon.”

“You’ll be proud of me, Mary. I was just telling Chelsea that I thought maybe early or mid October.”

“Oh, good. You will need to call your mother. We need to start planning.”

“Maggie, are you getting nervous? I mean, we’re talking like any day now, right?” Rachel asked and searched Maggie’s face.

“I’m ready to meet Max. We have everything ready to go. We just need him now.”

“We can’t wait to meet that precious little guy,” Amber said with longing in her eyes. Rachel knew from talking to Liam that Patrick was planning on proposing, but that had been discussed a couple weeks ago and hadn’t been mentioned since. Had something changed?

“I can’t wait to start a family, it just seems so wonderful. You both are gorgeous,” Hannah spoke up. She too had longing in her eyes.

“Thank you, that means so much. I feel like a fat cow.” Maggie groaned and then spoke directly to her belly. “Anytime, Max, anytime.”

Rachel could relate to feeling large and unattractive. She appreciated Hannah’s compliments, but that didn’t stop her from hating her changing body. It wasn’t that she was vain, and it wasn’t even the stretch marks which mapped her body that bothered her. It was the weight of the two princesses inside her and feeling as large as a castle to house them.

“Max needs to stay inside until after Cider Fest,” Mary reminded Maggie.

“Mom, I can’t guarantee anything.”

“Well, I will be praying he just stays put until after this weekend.”

Maggie rolled her eyes as the others laughed. She spoke to her belly again, “You hear that, Max? Grams says to stay put. No coming until after her precious apple extravaganza.” More giggles erupted from Amber, Hannah, and even Mary.

It was just so comfortable, sitting at the table enjoying laughs like this with them. Rachel hoped that Amber and Hannah would become members of the family as well. They already felt like sisters to her, and she knew they loved the O’Brien men they had been saddled with. As she said a silent prayer, Rachel caught Maggie looking her way. They must have been thinking the very same thing, and they gave each other a knowing smile.

Chapter Fifteen

Daniel

To say he was nervous was an understatement. He toyed with the ring in his pocket. Cider Fest was in full swing, and the city park was decorated with large apple-shaped garlands mounted on various posts. Twinkling white and red lights were strung in the trees, and booths were lined up in neat rows. A band played music as the residents of Birch Valley sampled various baked goods, visited with neighbors, and children ran through some of the fallen leaves. Cider Fest had started early in the morning, and he should know. He had been there when the sun was barely up, helping his mother set up the church booth she ran, selling baked goods to raise money for several of their programs. But now the sun was setting below the apricot and lavender sky, and the air was turning chilly, making it the perfect the time to sip on some warm cider.

Daniel was walking to the booth he had helped set up earlier. It was almost time. He wanted to wait until the lights in the trees were glowing more. He wanted this to be perfect, because she was perfect. When he arrived at the small white-tented booth, Daniel’s mother smiled at him, giving him an encouraging nod. Hannah was busy sorting out what baked items they hadn’t sold. Maggie sat in a canvas chair looking miserable, as Max had not decided to come yet. Rachel and Liam were standing only feet away, arms entwined and swaying to the beat of the live music. Patrick and Amber sat on a large quilt on the grass, Finn and Connor cuddled in their laps. Dylan was nearby chatting with friends, looking every bit a Birch Valley teenager. Michael and Melanie were returning back to the booth, ice cream cones in hand and enormous grins on their faces. Grandpa Paddy and his father sat in canvas chairs staring out at all the activity. Everyone was here, and Daniel couldn’t think of better time or place to ask Hannah to join their family. He stood and watched her for a moment, trying to hush the sick twirling inside his guts. She fit in so perfectly, but it was more than that. He had never felt this way about someone before. Hannah had become his everything in such a short time. There were no words to truly describe the feelings in his heart, but he was sure going to give it a try.

***

Hannah

She inhaled the rich scents of apples, apple cider, apple pies, apple everything. The spicy fragrance of cinnamon clung to the light breeze, drifting throughout the park. Hannah loved every minute of it. The lights flickering in the trees looked almost like fireflies, delicate and simply romantic. The flurry of activity was finally winding down, and Hannah was exhausted but couldn’t recall having a better time. The day, as hectic as it was, had been shared with some of the best people—the O’Brien family.

Hannah had been under that tent since dawn, bumping into Maggie, Mary, Rachel, and Amber. The small quarters had afforded them a chance to bond even more. She had never laughed so much in her life, well, except when she was with Daniel. He had been scarce most of the day, helping take care of the children with Michael, Liam, and Patrick. When she saw him twirling the little twin boys around in the grass, carrying Melanie on his shoulders to see the magician who had performed earlier, Hannah realized he was a natural father and it made maternal needs stir inside of her.

“Hannah.” Daniel’s voice was low as he approached. He ran his hand over his beard nervously.

“Hey, you’re back. You having fun?” Hannah reached up and kissed him on his cheek. He blushed instantly. She loved that about him. He wore his emotions so clearly on his face.

Mary hovered nearby. Hannah could feel her eyes on them, and Maggie was looking over at them. In fact, all the O’Briens were looking at them through the early evening darkness. Hannah grew concerned. The lighting was terrible, but she could tell Daniel was fiddling with something. He seemed different, nervous or on edge.

“You okay?”

He nodded, his wide smile obviously attempting to hide something else.

“You sure? You’re acting weird.” It wasn’t a question. It was a factual statement. Hannah could almost swear she see could see some beads of sweat on his brow.

“Yes, never better.”

“If you say so. You seem weird, though,” Hannah countered, reaching to grab his arm, as if she needed to inspect him to fully believe that he was fine.

“Hannah, trust me. I’m okay.” His voice was wobbly.

Now Hannah was growing more concerned and a little annoyed with him. She could feel the stares of the family, which only added to the tension that mounted inside that tiny booth. “Daniel, I’m serious.”

He released a long sigh and tilted his head up toward the canvas covering over the booth. Hannah looked over to Mary, who smiled back, beaming. Something was up, and now Hannah felt far more confused than concerned.

“Hannah…”

She watched Daniel reach behind him and withdraw a glass apple, but it was when he started to lower himself, kneeling, that she felt dizzy with the realization of what was happening. Hannah started to tremble. She could sense the family watching and waiting, but not moving. Time froze, quiet. She didn’t hear the music of the band, or the children squealing as they played. There was no sound in this moment. Life was suspended as Daniel started to speak.

“Hannah, you are the most incredible person I have ever met. You are kind and simply beautiful.” Daniel paused, wiping his eyes. Hannah felt her heart beat hard against her chest with anticipation. Daniel’s eyes were bright, even in the darkening tent. He swallowed and began to speak again, “You can bait a hook like no other and know some incredible fishing spots. You make me laugh so hard, Hannah.” His voice was cracking, and Hannah’s cheeks were damp as tears started to stream down.

Grandpa Paddy called out, “Just spit it out, boy.” Everyone laughed through their own muffled tears.

Daniel grinned wide, looking up at her. He held out the glass apple. “You keep me on my toes, and that’s something I want you to do forever. Hannah, will you marry me?”

Fairy tales, they were something that little girls grow up with, something women casted aside when they realized Prince Charming didn’t exist. But for Hannah, he did. He was on his knee, right in front of her. She placed her hand on the apple, feeling the weight in her palm. Daniel clasped his hands over hers. Again, time stood still, allowing her to savor this moment. Hannah brought the glass apple, clear with a hint of green and red, close to her chest. Reflecting off the light, hanging off the glass stem, was a gorgeous diamond ring. Simple, but grand in so many ways—much like her prince.

“Yes.”

Daniel shot up from the ground, pulling her to him as he slipped the ring onto her finger. Hannah kissed him and didn’t care who was watching them. There was the distant sound of clapping and a couple of ear-piercing whistles. Everyone was smiling, but it didn’t compare to the happiness that seem to buzz off Daniel. Joy lit up his face, the face of the man she was going to marry, have children with, and grow old with. Realization dawned on Hannah through the magical haze: she was now engaged.

***

Daniel

There was that brief second, that moment of true doubt, the worry she wouldn’t say what everyone was hoping and expected her to say. But as Daniel heard her say yes confidently through happy tears, all the anxiety and stress he had attempted to mask all day had floated away. He was now engaged to this amazing woman, someone who understood him, who made him feel complete in so many unexpected ways Whatever emptiness he had was now filled by her and no one else.

“Congrats, you guys!” Maggie exclaimed as she tried to remove herself from the camp chair she had been sitting in.

His mother moved in to hug him and Hannah, her eyes still wet. “I’m so happy for you both.” As she looked at Daniel, she said, “Son, you have picked a woman who we all love, and who we know loves you with every inch of her heart.” She turned to Hannah, taking her into her arms. “Welcome to this crazy family. Bless you, my sweet girl.” They both laughed.

Daniel’s brothers, father, and grandfather shook his hand, hugged him, and gave him so many pats on the back he actually started to feel a little pain. Yet it didn’t measure to how full his heart felt at the moment. He tossed a glance to his fiancée, who was surrounded by all the O’Brien women, complimenting the ring he had just placed on her finger. Fiancée, wow, he hadn’t seen this happening only a few short months ago. It was funny, the journeys life had taken him through. Looking back several months ago, he had felt alone as each of his siblings found their happiness, their soul mates. But now, as he stood there with his family, looking at all of them, he didn’t feel alone or envious, because he too had found his other half.

***

The booth was empty, everything packed away, and the entire family had said their good-byes and congratulations only moments ago. Now only Daniel and Hannah remained, the lights in the trees still glowing. The park was quiet. All the attendees were gone. It was just Daniel and Hannah.

Daniel reached for Hannah’s hand, and they started walking together. Each quiet and content, but still reeling from the shock and high of everything that had just taken place.

“So, are you happy?” Daniel asked in a near whisper.

“Daniel, you have no idea.”

The grass was partially covered in leaves, and as Daniel and Hannah walked, they kicked lightly through them, scattering the brown leaves as they went.

“I know it probably was weird proposing here of all places. Gosh, with, like, everyone there too. I’m sorry.”

Hannah stopped and turned to face him. “Daniel, it was perfect. You know what? It all had the same end result. We’re engaged now.” She stood up on the tips of her toes, her lips meeting his. She whispered, “I love you, Daniel O’Brien.” And then she kissed him tenderly and again, it felt as the world had stopped spinning. They were alone, the chill of the fall air nipping at them as their tongues found the warmth of each other’s mouths. Even with their eyes closed, romance was all around them. Daniel relished the kiss, feeling it fill him with more want and need, but also with the promise of a future to explore all of those desires. The one thing that he knew for certain was that true love did exist, and he had found it.

***

Hannah

Could this be any more perfect? She highly doubted it. Daniel’s lips were on hers, his strong arms covering her as they embraced in the middle of the city park, not another soul there, just them. As Daniel pulled her in deeper, she felt something vibrate hard against her. It was his cell phone.

“Oh, crap,” he said, pulling away slowly from her, almost stumbling from the daze of their kiss. “Hello?”

Hannah watched as his face twisted in confusion. “She okay?” He paused and blinked, worry replacing his confusion. “Okay, we’re on our way.” He turned off his phone and looked at her.

“Everything okay?” Hannah regretted asking as soon as she spoke.

“That was my mom. Maggie’s in the hospital.”

The baby. “Gosh, is she having the baby?”

“I think so, but it sounds like there is something wrong. I don’t know. My mom sounded panicked.” Daniel grabbed her by the hand and started to lead them through the empty and dark park. It no longer felt magical or romantic, but scary as fear started to creep in.

Hannah said a silent prayer. She asked God to protect Maggie and Max. She took a moment to thank Him for bringing Daniel into her life. Daniel had been a pillar of strength for her when she’d needed him. She was now going to have her chance to be his. Oddly enough, they were both experiencing worry at the hands of their siblings, though it wasn’t necessarily intentional. The thought of siblings made Hannah say another prayer for the safety of Nina. She was still desperately worried about her, but right now, Daniel, her fiancé, needed her.

Even through all her concern for Maggie and Nina, she couldn’t help but smile. Today had been one of the most incredible days of her life.

Hannah squeezed Daniel’s hand to reassure him. She also knew God was there taking care of Maggie and the soon-to-be-born baby, Max. Hannah had strong, unwavering faith. It had gotten her through so much in her life. It’d kept her sane during the times when things seemed hopeless and bleak, and it grew brighter with the moments that were light and wonderful. God was always there and right now, He was with the O’Brien family.